Breastfeeding During Pregnancy: What You Should Know

Are you pregnant and wondering how that might affect your breastfeeding relationship? Here is some information to consider:

Despite what some believe, it is possible to get pregnant while breastfeeding. I have moms reach out to me all the time telling me they just found out they are pregnant and are still breastfeeding their child and aren’t sure what to do next.

Breastfeeding while you are pregnant another is possible if it’s something you want to try and do.

Breastfeeding while pregnant is not recommended for women who have a history of premature births or who notice unusual bleeding or spotting during pregnancy.  Weaning your breastfeeding toddler or baby is suggested in some cases.

Regardless, talking with your care provider is generally the first step, but it’s safe for most women to do. Here are a few other things to consider:

Milk supply

During pregnancy, you have a sharp increase in progesterone and estrogen, which typically decrease milk supply. Around the 10-12 week mark, most moms I’ve worked with experience a significant decrease in their milk production, some drying up entirely. This can come as quite a shock to some!

Sometime in the second trimester, your milk starts to transition back to colostrum, and while it’s safe for your child to drink, some children will self-wean because they don’t like it or the quantity.

If your child is a younger baby, you may need to supplement with donor milk or formula if you are pregnant because of the decrease. If your child is a toddler, they may just happily keep nursing until the colostrum returns. Make sure to monitor your child’s diaper output, overall demeanor, etc. to make sure they are still getting the milk they need.

Morning sickness

Breastfeeding while pregnant can heighten the symptoms of morning sickness for some women. Keep plenty of light snacks close by to help combat this. Eating a quick snack before breastfeeding, such as a piece of dry toast, is recommended to help control nausea. Certain anti-nausea medications may be compatible with breastfeeding.

Your Breasts

During the early stages of pregnancy, most women will experience a rapid increase in breast size and nipple and breast tenderness.

Breastfeeding during pregnancy is not always easy and can be painful. One way to deal with breast tenderness is to limit the length of time your child feeds and to top up with solids, drinks to ensure the baby gets enough milk.

Eat well

Pregnancy takes a lot of a woman’s body.  Many of the nutrients in the food you eat help in the growth and development of the unborn child.

Breastfeeding burns a lot of calories. Continue to eat regular health-food snacks to ensure you are consuming enough food to sustain pregnancy, breastfeeding, and a healthy you.

Drink plenty of water

It is very important to stay well hydrated.  Avoid sugary drinks and too much coffee or tea.

Drink plenty of water and always ensure you carry a water bottle. I highly recommend consuming a high-quality source of electrolytes.

Growing belly

As your belly continues to grow you might find your regular feeding position is no longer comfortable.  Experiment with different feeding positions to find one that works for you and your toddler/baby.

Newborn

It is important to ensure your newborn gets its much-needed colostrum in the first few days after being born. Feed your newborn first to ensure he or she gets plenty of colostrum and milk.  Remember milk is the only food source for your newborn.

You could choose to feed your toddler after your newborn.  Your toddler may or may not get enough milk from the feeds.  This can be a tricky balance for some moms to figure out.

Tandem feeding

Tandem feeding is possible once your baby arrives, although it is not always easy. Find a comfortable position, prioritize the newborn infant’s needs, and see what works best for your family. There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to this!

Ultimately, breastfeeding while pregnant is a personal choice. While there are some women who may be at a higher risk of complications, it is generally considered safe for typical pregnancies if the mother and baby choose to move forward.

If you need help navigating breastfeeding during pregnancy or tandem feeding, be sure to request a consult with a member of my team. We’d love to help!